Christian Hip-Hop Report: Marty, GLO. Collective, and Dkg Kie
What's new in Christian hip-hop and urban soul
Each week, dozens of singles and a handful of projects are released in the Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) and Urban Soul spaces. Below, we listen to a few highlights and list the rest for your own discovery. As always, follow our New Christian Rap & Hip Hop playlist on Spotify and Apple Music to listen to all the latest.
Marty (of Social Club Misfits) - THE FLOP ERA, Vol. 2 (Deluxe Edition)
Christian artists Apollo and RMG Amplify collaborate to deliver not only the second part to the FLOP ERA series, but the entire deluxe, full-length album known as Marty’s FLOP ERA. Complete at a total of 14 tracks, five new releases rounded out the album. Marty set out to create a project which showcased various sides of his songwriting and producing capabilities. As most know, the entire project was self-produced by Marty.
Featured artists include Brenno, Fern, Derek Minor, Gavin the Hotrod, McKenna Johns, Spencer Kane, Xavier Omär, LJ THE MESSENGER, and the 4KIDS CHOIR.
Favorite tracks thus far are “IN MY ROOM” featuring McKenna Johns, “CLOSE2YOU” fearing the 4KIDS CHOIR and LJ THE MESSENGER, and “WHITE ELEPHANT” featuring Xavier Omär. Marty has tagged this art as “REAL MUSIC,” music which will stand the test of time.
Marty has been creating, musically, since 2010. Individually and tag teamed with Fern of Social Club/Social Club Misfits, nearly 25 projects have been released in a 15-year period. What’s even crazier, all heart. All quality. All distinct from one another. The new tracks added to complete this album are phenomenal.
The GLO. Collective - "GLO. Cypher (All Things GLO) [On the Radar Freestyle]"
The recently announced West Coast GLO. Collective (Miles Minnick, Tommy Zuko, and CJ Emulous) was “next up” for an “On the Radar” freestyle. Since 2018, “On the Radar” Radio has featured some of the hottest artists in both the mainstream and Christian hip-hop spaces. They’ve accumulated over one million viewers on YouTube with the same milestone on their Instagram profile. Lately, an influx of Christian rappers has been featured ranging from Lecrae, nobigdyl., Anike, Alex Jean, Mike Teezy, Childlike CiCi, and others.
Miles Minnick, along with his newfound collective, have been exploding the CHH scene in the entire state of California. From iconic festivals such as GLOfest and GLOvember to featured tracks with industry favorites like Lecrae and Maverick City as well as mainstream icons P-Lo, DaBoii, and LaRussell. Minnick and company are changing the game and expanding the Kingdom simultaneously.
The "GLO. Cypher" started with a few moments of straight acapella rap from Minnick, then he continued to lay down some of his strongest bars to date. Zuko followed next with exquisite wordplay rarely heard across the industry. Enough pop culture references to have you "doing your googles" for a few hours. CJ Emulous brings straight dopamine-laced rhyme schemes tapping into the pleasure all hip-hop heads feel when iconic lyricism is perfected. The beat switches before the trio ignites the microphone for an encore. Besides 'Crae, the GLO. Collective possesses the best freestyle session amongst the fellowship of Christian artists. Impressive to say the least.
Dkg Kie feat. Caleb Gordon - "TAKE THE WHEEL"
Dkg Kie's "TAKE THE WHEEL" is a captivating blend of contemporary Christian rap and soul. The song's driving beat and infectious melody immediately grab your attention, while Kie's smooth vocals deliver powerful lyrics about trusting in God's guidance. The production is top-notch, with a seamless fusion of hip-hop elements and uplifting melodies. "TAKE THE WHEEL" is an empowering anthem that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Kie's passionate delivery and the song's positive message make it an uplifting and inspiring listen. Stream "TAKE THE WHEEL" on Spotify and Apple Music.
Joshua Galla is an audiophile hyped about all forms of art in music, but his passion rests behind CHH and soulful vibes. He's a devout husband, father, and child of God. Concerts are his happy place.